Customizing a car is not just fun, it’s a way of making it stand out and making it your own. There are a lot of options when it comes to customizing any vehicle. Some of the modifications affect the performance capabilities of the car, while others are focused solely on the aesthetic aspect.
Some of the most popular modifications include lowered springs, aftermarket wheels, custom vinyl wraps, and modifications that can’t be seen visually such as ECU tuning.
In this article, we’ll talk about one of the most common modifications – painting brake calipers. This type of modification is a simple one, and doesn’t require any special tools. It can be done in one afternoon and it can significantly improve the way your car looks.
Before listing some of the best brake caliper paint options, we’ll cover the basics of painting brake calipers, what kind of preparation is required, and a step-by-step guide to painting your brake calipers for the best results.
Why Paint Calipers At All?
If you ever wondered why people paint brake calipers, you’d be surprised to know that improving the aesthetic look of your car isn’t the only thing that’s achieved by doing this.
Of course, the main reason is of an aesthetic nature, however, adding a protective layer to the surface of the calipers will also protect them from rust. Aside from preventing rust, the protective layer will also help the calipers shed brake dust easier, which will improve caliper cooling.
What You Need To Know About Caliper Paint Before Using It
Just like there are many types of cars and calipers, there are different types of caliper paints that are made specifically for different types of applications.
Before considering buying a caliper paint kit, there are a couple of things you need to know about the paint you’re choosing.
The first thing to know is the application method. There are three application methods when it comes to caliper paint which includes brushing, spray painting and dipping.
The second thing you need to consider is drying time. Different manufacturers use production processes that make drying times different, so if you don’t want to wait for a day or two before fitting your wheels back and being able to drive your car, make sure to get paint that doesn’t dry in such a long time.
The third thing to consider is the color palette available by the manufacturer. If you’re looking for caliper paint of a specific color, make sure the manufacturer offers the features you need, as well as the color of your desire.
Preparation For Painting Brake Calipers
Painting brake calipers is relatively simple, but the better you prepare the surface for painting, the better the results will be. These parts are exposed to extreme conditions, ranging from excessive heat to a significant amount of brake dust, so unless you’re working on a brand-new set of brake calipers, you’ll need to clean them thoroughly.
If possible, remove the brake calipers from your car and use a brush and brake cleaner to remove all the dust from the calipers. Once the dust is removed, you might need to use a wire brush to remove possible rust from the surface. Don’t rush this part because it’s essential to clean the surface as much as possible to let the paint stick to it.
The last step of the preparation includes removing and covering parts that shouldn’t be painted. This includes removing the retainer clip, covering the bleeder valve, brake hose fittings, and rotor. In case the brake calipers are left on the car, make sure you expand the cover to the fender, bumper, and other parts of the car that may be exposed to the paint.
Now that we’ve covered how to properly prepare your brake calipers for painting, it’s time to list a few of the best options when it comes to brake caliper paint.
The G2 High-Temperature Brake Caliper Paint Kit
The first brake caliper paint on our list is the G2 brake caliper paint kit. The reason why this particular kit is so popular includes a few reasons. They include a wide specter of color options which include red, yellow, silver, blue, purple, black, green, white, gold, orange, pink, and lime green, with impressive heat and wear resistance, durability, and a high-gloss finish.
All these features play a significant role when choosing the right type of caliper paint. The G2 brake caliper paint comes in cans, and application is done by a brush. Although the paint itself will dry up within two hours, it’s recommended to wait at least 24 hours before taking your car for a spin. A single kit is enough to paint all four corners, no matter if you have 2 disks and 2 drums, or all four disk brakes. It’s also recommended to do two coats on each corner.
VHT Brake Caliper Paint Can
The VHT paint has been designed exclusively for the purpose of painting brake calipers and drums. Its features include unbelievable heat resistance up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit and amazing durability. Primer, paint, and a clear coat are all included in the set, and the great thing about this paint is that it dries to the touch in 30 minutes, and it’s recommended to leave the paint to completely dry up overnight before fitting the wheels back and going for a drive.
Detailed instructions are also available so the chances of missing a crucial step when painting your calipers are reduced to a minimum.
ERA 2K Caliper Paint Set
The ERA 2K caliper paint set is a great choice for DIYers that expect a professional finish from their work. This particular paint set comes with an integrated catalyst that increases its durability significantly.
The color options include baby blue, lime green, red, black, yellow, orange, and purple. This particular paint is resistant to chemicals, heat, and fade, and has superior adhesion. Applying the 2k caliper paint is easy, and it dries fast enough so you can drive the car just after 8 hours after painting the calipers.